Obatzda

Serves 3

Ingredients

• Camembert or Brie: 100 g (ripe, at room temperature)
• Butter: 10 g (softened)
• Cream cheese: 1 to 2 tbsp
• Sweet paprika: 1 to 2 tsp
• Ground caraway/cumin: 1/3 tsp (Note: German recipes often translate “Kümmel” as cumin, but traditional Bavarian Obatzda uses caraway seeds. Ground caraway is authentic here, though cumin works if preferred.)
• Red onion: 1/2 onion (finely diced, plus extra rings for garnish)
• Salt & black pepper: to taste
• Fresh chives: chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Prep base: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Chop the Camembert or Brie into small pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
2. Mash: Add the softened butter and cream cheese to the bowl. Mash everything together using a fork until mostly combined (a few small cheese lumps are fine and traditional).
3. Season: Fold in the finely diced red onion, sweet paprika, caraway/cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed.
4. Garnish & serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and top with red onion rings and fresh chopped chives. Pair immediately with warm pretzels.